This shocking footage shows a Russian fishing vessel sinking while berthed in port in an incident that claimed one person’s life.

The incident took place in the port of Zarubino, which is located in the Khasansky District of the Primorsky Krai region in far eastern Russia, on the Pacific coast, this morning (Wednesday, 2nd February).

A first piece of footage shows the vessel sinking, taking on water as the crew scrambles to mitigate the situation. They can be seen closing a hatch in a bid to stop some of the water coming on board.

One of the fishermen can be seen throwing a bag of valuables onto dry land, and one of his colleagues quickly follows suit.

A whistle can then be heard blowing a continuous, long note as the fishermen scramble to abandon the sinking vessel.

A second piece of footage shows the stricken vessel sinking in the port. Half of it can already be seen almost entirely submerged, with the front of the vessel pointing upwards as it continues to sink.

A third piece of footage shows the upper area of the vessel taking on water as it begins its final stage of sinking.

Finally, a fourth piece of footage shows the the bow of the ship sticking out of the water. The ship reportedly finished sinking after the footage ended.

The Eastern Interregional Investigation Department for Transport of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation said in a statement that it was investigating the incident and that one person had died as a result of the vessel sinking.

The authorities said in their statement: “The Primorsky Investigation Department for Transport of the Eastern Interregional SUT of the Investigative Committee of Russia initiated a criminal case on the fact of violation of the rules of traffic safety and operation of maritime transport, which negligently caused the death of a person, under Part 2 of Art. 263 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

“A preliminary analysis established that on 2nd February 2022, in the morning in the port of Zarubino, located in the Khasansky district of the Primorsky Territory, at berth No. 6, after the heeling began, the loss of stability and the ingress of water into the interior, the vessel ‘Akvanavt’ flooded. As a result of the sinking of the ship, the chief engineer died.

“Measures are being taken to raise the vessel to the surface.

“An investigation team has left for the scene.

“Investigations are currently underway to establish all the circumstances of the incident.”

It is currently unclear how the fatality occurred. No names were mentioned in local reports. It is also unclear what caused the vessel to sink.